- Sanwo-Olu’s Poverty Reduction Drive Empowers 5,339 Lagosians in One Year
- 5,310 Graduate From Lagos Skills Centres Centres
- Approximately 70 per cent of those empowered through the programme were graduates of the state’s skills acquisition centres
The Lagos State Government has intensified its efforts to tackle poverty and promote economic self-reliance, empowering 5,339 residents with business tools and equipment while graduating 5,310 beneficiaries from its free vocational training centres within the last year.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the empowerment programme, implemented through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), forms part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s broader strategy to create sustainable livelihoods, encourage entrepreneurship and improve the economic wellbeing of residents across the state.
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Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, disclosed the figures during the ministry’s ministerial press briefing commemorating the third year of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
According to Dada, the state continues to invest significantly in human capital development through its network of 19 Skills Acquisition Centres spread across the five divisions of Lagos, as well as the Women Development Centre in Agege.
She explained that 5,310 residents successfully completed vocational training programmes during the review period, acquiring practical skills in fashion design, catering, cosmetology, barbing, information and communication technology, welding, furniture making, photography, textile production and several other trades.
The commissioner noted that many graduates have gone on to establish their own businesses, with some becoming employers of labour in their communities.
To support beneficiaries in translating their newly acquired skills into sustainable sources of income, Dada said the government provided equipment and business tools to 5,339 residents under the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI).
She revealed that approximately 70 per cent of those empowered through the programme were graduates of the state’s skills acquisition centres.
“Through the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative, beneficiaries have been provided with equipment and tools to grow businesses, turning dreams into livelihoods and livelihoods into engines of economic growth,” she said.
The commissioner added that the initiative was designed to promote self-reliance, financial independence and long-term economic stability, particularly among women, youths and vulnerable groups.
As part of efforts to promote digital inclusion, Dada disclosed that 600 participants received Android phones after completing a three-day Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Training Programme organised by the ministry.
The programme equipped artisans, traders, market women and young entrepreneurs with practical knowledge in online marketing, social media branding, customer engagement and e-commerce.
She said the initiative was aimed at ensuring that small businesses remain competitive in an increasingly digital economy.
The ministry also extended support to women in agriculture, with 1,485 beneficiaries receiving training in cassava cultivation, garri processing, fish farming, vegetable production and other agribusiness activities at its farm settlement in Avia, Badagry.
In addition, 1,500 residents, including persons living with disabilities, benefited from the Life Skills and Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP), where participants received vocational training and starter packs to establish businesses.
Dada reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to equipping residents with practical skills and economic opportunities capable of reducing poverty and improving living standards across Lagos.
According to her, the administration remains focused on creating pathways to economic independence rather than relying solely on welfare interventions.
“Our interventions are designed to ensure that residents acquire the skills, tools and confidence required to become financially independent and contribute meaningfully to the economy of Lagos State,” she stated.
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